Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) strongly urged the newly formed government to take decisive and vigorous measures to completely reform the state structure by developing and implementing a strategic road map.
“The strategic reformation will enable the building of a well-governed “New Bangladesh” that is distinguished by transparency, accountability, justice, and the protection of human rights,” said the anti-graft platform in a statement on Saturday (10 August).
TIB also offered to give its full cooperation in this endeavour.
Furthermore, TIB urged the public and students to serve as protectors of minorities, maintain communal harmony, and preserve the historical monuments and memories of the Liberation War.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, "Fearless students and ordinary citizens have defeated the force that was unaccountable, blinded by the arrogance of power, and threatened the dream of a society based on human rights and non-discrimination through unprecedented sacrifice. TIB congratulates all, particularly the students, for this remarkable achievement that has been possible due to the indomitable spirit of the students and the people. A magnificent opportunity has emerged to reconstruct Bangladesh in the spirit of the Liberation War, half a century after independence, and the new government is likely to take this chance. We strongly urge that a strategic roadmap be made and followed with the purpose of reorganizing the state mechanism of the New Bangladesh."
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further said, “To address the pressing need, it is imperative to quickly improve the law and order situation in the country. This requires a thorough restructuring of the police force's management and infrastructure in order to establish a more people-friendly police force. It is crucial to establish effective institutional accountability and transparency within the police force to restore public confidence following the fall of the administration. This will help identify the underlying causes of the decline in trust. Along with the police forces, all state institutions were continuously used as tools for the misuse of power by the fallen government. However, this does not justify the abhorrent acts of random killings and violence against law enforcement and government personnel, which have to end right now.”
People from all walks of life—regardless of religion, race, caste, or occupation—participated in the student and people's movement and won an extraordinary triumph, motivated by the spirit of the Liberation War, said TIB.
Mentioning that everyone is a part of this victory, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Despite the night vigils of students and the general public, attacks continue on the homes, businesses, and temples of minorities. Similarly, attacks are taking place on monuments and structures that symbolize the nation’s hopes and inspirations from the Great Liberation War. This is really inappropriate behavior. The autocratic government, posing as the 'Liberation War Government,' has failed to uphold the genuine essence of the Liberation War, and it is imperative to resolve this matter by appropriate legal means. ‘Mob justice’ is completely contrary to the spirit and expectations of the anti-discriminatory movement. In the aftermath of the tyranny’s downfall, any attack on the spirit of the Liberation War is entirely unacceptable. We must stand, particularly the government, against such communal and divisive forces that erase a nation’s self-identity. In addition, it is important to refrain from seeking revenge or engaging in personal aggression. It is important that we refrain from taking matters into our own hands. Everyone must step up and fulfil their responsibility in ensuring that genuine criminals are prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
According to the TIB, the interim administration has assumed responsibility during a time of acute crisis and unprecedented opportunity. People have enormous expectations of them. The TIB is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to the interim government in building a democratic "New Bangladesh" that prioritizes human rights, welfare, participation, and inclusivity. With a heavy focus on education, emerging from the long-standing corruption of past governments, this vision encompasses a society free from discrimination, well-governed, corruption-free, and preserving freedom of speech and the media.
